Barneveld crashes out of World Matchplay as Wade cruises

Raymond van Barneveld suffered a bizarre exit from the World Matchplay following a 13-8 defeat to Simon Whitlock, who set up a quarter-final tie with the impressive James Wade.

Dutchman Barneveld changed his darts midway through his last 16 clash but to no avail, as he was sent crashing out of the Blackpool major by the world No.4.

Premier League champion Barneveld saw a 4-0 lead slip as he struggled with his new darts on the Winter Gardens stage. A 128 on the bullseye moved Whitlock within one leg, before the Australian levelled the tie at 5-5 ahead of the second interval.

During the break, Barneveld appeared to reach for his old set before opting to give his new models another try. However, Whitlock finished 120 and 111 to propel into a 9-6 lead at the third break.

This time, though, 'Barney' did revert to his old darts in an attempt to muster some momentum. They gave him some respite - a classy 132 checkout on the bull provided cheer - but another 120 finish from Whitlock killed off any hopes of a Barneveld revival.

Whitlock will next play Wade, who cruised into the last eight with a 13-2 victory against Richie Burnett.

Finishes of 104 and 102 gave Wade a solid lead and the 'Machine' impressively checked out 114 for the match and keep his hopes of second Matchplay title alive.

World champion Michael van Gerwen is bidding for a first title at the Winter Gardens and his plight was strengthened by a 13-4 destruction of Ian White.

In truth, the world No.1 rarely had to move out of first gear as he cruised past 'Diamond' White, who looked far from his best.

A 104 checkout from the Dutchman was enough to establish a 5-1 lead and, from there, the 'Green Machine' did not look back. Seven successive legs fell Van Gerwen's way before White ended the rot on double four to make it 8-2, but by then the damage had long been done.

White provided a brief resurgence to double his leg tally, but Van Gerwen secured an easy victory on double top to move into the last eight.

He will now play Dave Chisnall, who hit ten 180s on his way to a hard-fought 13-10 victory against Andy Hamilton in the opening match of the night.

This match struggled to get going in the early exchanges; both players missed several chances at doubles, which provided a nervy atmosphere on the oche. Chisnall moved 6-4 ahead after Hamilton, who had hit five perfect darts with a 180 and 140, missed seven shots at double 16.

However, the 'Hammer' responded with finishes of 160 and 132 to pull back the deficit to one leg. Chisnall then hit back with his first ton-plus checkout of 134 and looked set to seal the match with a nine-dart finish, but missed treble 19 on his seventh dart.

He sealed victory next leg though, taking out double 16 after a long pause to book his last eight spot.